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Asma T. Uddin    

Professor; Lawyer; Author of "When Islam Is Not a Religion" & "The Politics of Vulnerability"

Asma T. Uddin is a professor, author, and lawyer specializing in religious liberty.

Uddin is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at the Catholic University of America, where she teaches Family Law; International Human Rights; Gender, Law, and Policy; and the religious liberty clinic. She has also taught the religious liberty clinic at Harvard Law School. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School, Uddin served as Legal Counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. While there, she helped litigate religious liberty cases in both international and domestic tribunals, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

Uddin is also a Fellow with the Aspen Institute's Religion & Society Program in Washington, D.C., where she created a data-based approach to reducing Muslim-Christian polarization in the U.S. Her work on depolarization has been supported by the Fetzer Institute, Pew Charitable Trusts, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and the Templeton Religion Trust.

Uddin served two terms as an expert advisor on religious liberty to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), was a term-member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has held fellowships at Harvard, Georgetown, and UCLA, and currently sits on the Board of Advisors for Notre Dame University's Religious Liberty Initiative.

Uddin’s extensive public writings on religion, politics, and polarization have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, USA Today, U.S News & World Report, Al Jazeera America, Flipboard, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, and numerous other outlets. In 2022, Deseret Magazine named Uddin a ""new reformer"": one of 20 faith leaders who ""are challenging the conservative movement to change.""

From 2009 to 2016, Uddin founded and edited a web magazine, altMuslimah, which covered a wide range of issues at the intersection of gender and Islam. The web magazine had a content partnership with the Washington Post, hosted multiple conferences at Princeton University, and was featured in media workshops abroad. Uddin has also advised media projects on American Muslims, including as Executive Producer for the Emmy and Peabody nominated docu-series, The Secret Life of Muslims.

Speech Topics


Religion, Media & Public Perception Shaping the Narrative: The Power of Media in Portraying Religious Communities

Media portrayals of religious communities can have a profound impact on public perception and understanding. This thought-provoking talk explores the role of media in shaping narratives about religion, highlighting the importance of accurate and nuanced representation.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the power of media in influencing attitudes and beliefs about religious communities
  • Learn about the impact of stereotypes and misrepresentations on religious minorities
  • Gain insights into best practices for responsible and ethical media coverage of religion
  • Leave inspired to become critical consumers and producers of media, committed to promoting understanding and respect for all faith traditions"

Polarization, Leadership & Consensus Building Bridging Divides: Strategies for Effective Leadership in a Polarized World

In a world marked by deep ideological divides, leaders face the daunting task of bringing people together and driving progress. This compelling talk offers evidence-based strategies for fostering dialogue, understanding, and consensus across differences.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the roots and consequences of polarization in organizations and society
  • Learn proven techniques for depolarizing conversations and building bridges
  • Gain insights into the role of leadership in modeling and promoting unity
  • Leave inspired to lead with courage and empathy, equipped with tools for navigating complex social and political landscapes

Gender, Islam & Empowerment Breaking Barriers: Muslim Women Challenging Stereotypes and Claiming Their Power

Muslim women are often the subject of stereotypes and misconceptions, their diverse experiences and perspectives overshadowed by simplistic narratives. This eye-opening session challenges these stereotypes, highlighting the ways in which Muslim women are advocating for their rights, breaking barriers, and leading the way in various fields.

Attendee Results:

  • Gain a nuanced understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Muslim women
  • Learn about the power of storytelling in shifting narratives and driving change
  • Be inspired by examples of Muslim women making a positive impact in the world
  • Leave with a renewed commitment to amplifying diverse voices and supporting the empowerment of all women

Teaching Religious Liberty Law Preparing the Next Generation of Advocates: Strategies for Engaging Law Students

As religious liberty continues to be a hotly debated issue in courtrooms and legislatures across the country, it is more important than ever to equip the next generation of lawyers with the knowledge and skills to navigate this complex legal landscape. This informative session offers insights and strategies for effectively teaching religious liberty law to law students.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the key challenges and opportunities in teaching religious liberty law in the current legal and political climate
  • Learn innovative pedagogical approaches for engaging law students in the study of religious liberty
  • Gain practical tips for incorporating real-world case studies and current controversies into the curriculum
  • Leave equipped to inspire and prepare law students to become passionate and effective advocates for religious freedom

Religious Liberty & the Supreme Court Landmark Decisions: Shaping the Future of Religious Freedom in America

The U.S. Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in shaping the contours of religious liberty in America, with landmark decisions that have had far-reaching implications for individuals, communities, and institutions. This engaging talk provides an analysis of key Supreme Court cases and their impact on the evolving landscape of religious freedom.

Attendee Results:

  • Gain insights into the most significant Supreme Court decisions related to religious liberty
  • Understand the factors influencing the Court's approach to religious freedom cases
  • Learn about potential future directions in religious liberty jurisprudence
  • Leave equipped to critically analyze and engage with legal developments affecting religious freedom in the United States

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